BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: The city of Millville has announced that deconstruction of the vacant building at 109 E. Main Street is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, April 25.

Residents within 200 feet of the site have been notified, the city says.

"All persons living or traveling near the site should keep their windows closed to avoid contact with demolition dust," Mayor Michael Santiago said in a news release issued Tuesday morning. "Appropriate procedures have been put in place to address airborne dust created during demolition. We ask that the public continue to avoid the area if possible."

Officials have not been able to determine if the building contains asbestos, the mayor said.

Check thedailyjournal.com later today for more information on this breaking story.

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UPDATE 11:52 a.m. – The start time for the work is unclear. Properties nearby have been advised work could start starting as early as 5 a.m. Wednesday.

As of now, Riggins Oil plans to keep its gas station at South 3rd and East Main streets open but that could change.

A representative said the station is the refueling spot for many first responder vehicles. However, the company is evaluating employee safety risks.

Jaycees Plaza, a senior citizen high rise across the street from the site, is remaining open. However, first floor common area rooms that face East Main Street will be closed and tenants will be asked to keep their windows closed due to anticipated dust.

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MILLVILLE – The City Commission is facing a potential investigation into whether it has violated New Jersey laws over the pending demolition of a privately owned building at 109 E. Main St.

Shortly before noon on Monday, a “petition for investigation” was hand-delivered to Cumberland County Superior Court Judge Mark Cimino in Bridgeton. The petition alleges “unlawful and corrupt” actions by city officials, and singles out Mayor Michael Santiago by name.

The petition asks Cimino to “initiate a summary investigation into the affairs of the City of Millville and to appoint an expert or experts to prosecute such investigation.” The petition is sworn to and signed by 25 Millville property owners.

The state law that authorizes such petitions dates in various forms to at least the late 1800s.

Joseph Sooy, a former city commissioner, was at court Monday. He noted that the judge is not required to order a probe.

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Millville Mayor Mike Santiago(Photo: Justin Odendhal/Staff Photo)

“Since the judge gave an order about the building, I would hope that the court would do the right thing,” Sooy said afterward. “Otherwise, it kind of undermines the justice system if it doesn’t.”

City Solicitor James Schroeder said he has not seen the petition and has no immediate comment.

A copy of the petition given to The Daily Journal accused Santiago of “usurping the authority” of other commissioners and especially Commissioner Ashleigh Udalovas.

Udalovas is director of the Public Affairs Department, which oversees construction-related offices. She recently publicly criticized Santiago’s management of the situation.

Santiago is director of Public Works. He, too, is a commissioner but was given the largely ceremonial title of “mayor” by other members. All five Millville commissioners have equal authority.

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The petition states that Santiago unilaterally attempted to enter into a $1.2 million contract with Perryman's Excavating when there was no funding allocated and no bids sought. It also calls out Santiago for a gag order placed on other commissioners and city staff.

The Daily Journal emailed city staff and commissioners seeking comment about Monday's filing. Schroeder offered the only response.